Go west, young men.
The 2024 NFL schedule release is right around the corner, but primetime matchups are officially trickling in ahead of Wednesday night. The “Monday Night Football” slate is taking shape, with the New York Jets traveling to Santa Clara, California to take on the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.
The matinee Monday night matchup features intriguing ties between the two franchises. Jets head coach Robert Saleh rose to coaching power while the defensive coordinator for the 49ers, and he maintains a close friendship with Niners coach Kyle Shanahan.
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The game also features the potential return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who tore an Achilles tendon just four plays into the 2023 season. Rodgers will play behind a reworked offensive line, which features former Cowboy and All-Pro Tyron Smith and a returning Morgan Moses. The Jets also picked Penn State tackle Olu Fashanu with the No. 11 pick in the 2024 NFL draft in an attempt to solidify the line.
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The 49ers kick off their 2024 season out for blood after losing to the Chiefs in Super Bowl 58; Kyle Shanahan was handed his second Super Bowl loss as a head coach, losing to the Chiefs in Super Bowl 54.
The 49ers’ offseason has been highlighted by some will-they-won’t-they drama featuring 2020 first-round pick Brandon Aiyuk, with trade rumors surrounding the ascending wide receiver. San Francisco has yet to extend Aiyuk, who is a free agent following the 2024 season.
The Jets finished the 2023 season at 7-10.
The defending champion Chiefs kick off the 2024 season on “Thursday Night Football” vs. AFC contender and Kansas City rival Baltimore.
